Best Litigation Attorneys in Jersey City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jersey City, New Jersey?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Jersey City Police Department is (201) 547-5477.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Jersey City, New Jersey?

  You may get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case at the Jersey City Police Records Department, located at 1 Journal Square Plaza, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306. It is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• What is municipal litigation in Jersey City?

  In Jersey City, municipal litigation refers to lawsuits brought against counties, cities, and school districts. They often concern issues involving zoning, land use, and health and safety regulations. Meanwhile, examples of civil litigation cases include non-criminal infractions, insurance disputes, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real estate lawsuits.

• How long does a Jersey City civil lawsuit take?

  Lawsuits in Jersey City typically take at least a year and even up to two years or more to proceed to trial. However, the case may be resolved at any stage of the litigation through a settlement agreement. These agreements also require the plaintiff to file a ‘Request for Dismissal’ form with the court.

• How is the Jersey City civil litigation process initiated?

  A civil action in Jersey City is initiated when one party files a complaint in court and pays the filing fee. The summons will then be issued by the court and served to the defendant, who has up to 35 days to file an answer or submit a written motion asking the court to dismiss the case.

• What is a litigation hold notice in Jersey City?

  In Jersey City, a litigation hold notice is issued in order to prevent the spoliation of evidence through its destruction or significant alteration. It typically indicates the scope of the hold and instructions for compliance. Those who fail to comply may be subject to sanctions or adverse inference instructions. Monetary awards may also be given to the prevailing party.

• Are Jersey City case management conferences mandatory?

  As is mandatory in Hudson County, landlords and tenants in Jersey City seeking to resolve a dispute in court must first attend a case management conference, which is held by trained clerks or court-approved and certified mediators. If both parties fail to negotiate and reach a resolution during the conference, the case may proceed to court.

• What does a litigation attorney do?

  Litigation attorneys offer comprehensive legal representation before, during, and after litigation—aka the lawsuit. They provide initial consultations, investigate legal issues, draft pleadings, and oversee the discovery process. While litigators often are responsible for negotiating settlements and keeping cases out of court, their main job is presenting facts to a judge or jury at trial. Litigation attorneys also handle appeals and post-trial motions.

• Can an individual or business go to court without a litigation attorney?

  Generally, it’s possible to go to court without hiring a litigation attorney. In fact, lawyers are prohibited from practicing in some small claims courts. However, other cases are nearly impossible to prove without professional assistance. These include medical malpractice claims, wrongful death lawsuits, complex real estate disputes, and employment law cases. When assessing the feasibility of pro se representation, or representing oneself, individuals and businesses should evaluate their ability to develop a strategy, prepare legal documents, and present their case effectively. To prevail, plaintiffs must have a complete understanding of the law, local rules of civil procedure, and the facts of the case.

• What’s the difference between a lawyer and a litigator?

  Litigators, also called trial lawyers, are attorneys who present cases in the courtroom before a judge or jury. They may represent plaintiffs or defendants, including individuals and companies, in civil matters. Litigators investigate lawsuits, facilitate the discovery process, and prepare legal documents. While they may negotiate settlements, they’re equipped to take each case to court to achieve the best outcome for their clients.

• What’s the difference between a lawsuit and litigation?

  A lawsuit is a formal legal action that begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. Litigation is a broad term that describes the entire process of resolving a dispute from sending notice of intent to sue, through pretrial preparations and beyond. It also includes settlement negotiations, courtroom proceedings, and appeals.

• What’s the difference between arbitration, mediation, and litigation?

  Arbitration, mediation, and litigation are three of the most common methods of resolving legal disputes. With arbitration, a case is heard by a panel of individuals called arbitrators who function as judges. In most cases, the parties are bound to the outcome. Mediation is typically a nonbinding process where discussions are facilitated by a single intermediary called a mediator. With litigation, a case is heard in a courtroom before a judge and jury, which is the most costly and time-consuming option, so it’s best suited for disputes that can’t be worked out using alternative methods.

• What is a civil lawsuit?

  A civil lawsuit is a court-based legal dispute between two parties that seeks court intervention and does not include punishment for a crime. While most civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation, they may also involve the pursuit of court action, such as a cease-and-desist order or an injunction. Since the majority of civil lawsuits are settled out of court, the process of pursuing a lawsuit usually begins with negotiations between the two parties. Any lawsuits that are not resolved through a settlement may go to trial and are decided by a judge or jury.

• What is a civil litigation lawyer?

  A civil litigation lawyer is a trial lawyer or litigator who specializes in handling all of the procedures involved in filing a civil lawsuit. Litigation is the process of resolving legal disputes between two parties, including before, during, and after a civil trial. A civil litigation lawyer may represent the person filing the lawsuit or the person being sued.

• What is a pre-litigation attorney?

  Because most civil lawsuits are resolved between the two parties, a pre-litigation attorney is any civil litigation attorney that can facilitate negotiations or a settlement prior to any legal action being taken. Some disputes may be settled through mediation, arbitration, or agreements and don't require any further legal action after a settlement has been reached.

• What does a commercial litigator do?

  A commercial litigator is a civil litigation attorney who specializes in disputes that involve companies rather than individuals. Commercial litigation is usually much more complicated than legal disputes between individuals and typically filed in the federal rather than the state court system. Commercial litigators also handle employment disputes between companies and individuals who are workers.

• How can I file a lawsuit against a company?

  Although you could file a lawsuit on your own, it's better to consult with a civil litigation attorney that's experienced in resolving disputes and negotiating settlements. The first step in filing a lawsuit should involve communication with the company in an attempt to reach an agreement. An experienced attorney is in a better position to reach a settlement that's in your best interest. Because lawsuits involve numerous steps, including filing motions, discovery, and other legal proceedings, you are better off working with an experienced professional rather than attempting to navigate the legal system on your own.